The Champions League draw is set to undergo a major change next season, as computers will take over the traditional method of selecting match-ups. The iconic draw, which usually involves pots and branded balls, will be replaced by a more efficient computer-based system.
The new format aims to streamline the process, as sticking to the old method would have required 900 different balls and taken several hours. Instead, a new hybrid draw is expected to take around 35 minutes, with an English IT company developing the software for the digital part of the draw.
In addition to the draw changes, the Champions League will also see an expansion from 32 to 36 teams starting in 2024/25. The introduction of four new teams will shake up the competition, with UEFA’s coefficient rankings determining which leagues will receive an additional team.
Despite these changes, Real Madrid’s president Florentino Perez has criticized the new format, expressing concerns about the increased number of games and lack of innovation. Perez remains a proponent of a European Super League, arguing that UEFA’s approach does not consider the interests of fans, players, or clubs.
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